is a gambling machine that displays reels on video screens and allows players to place coins, paper tickets or tokens in them to trigger different actions. The machines can pay out varying amounts depending on the combinations and symbols lined up, and the results of each spin are determined by random number generators. Slots are available in a variety of denominations and are among the most popular casino games. They can be found in casinos, bars and other entertainment venues and are known by various names, including poker machines, fruit machines and pokies.

One of the greatest challenges for slot designers is discerning what features make a game stick with players. ReelMetrics, a data analytics firm that has helped operators and suppliers solve the puzzle, calls this a quest for “sticky slots” – programs that cause players to stay at the games longer.

Another problem for casino managers is maximizing slot revenues without alienating players. If players perceive a casino as overpriced, they might switch to another property – a situation that would be difficult and expensive for the operator to recover from.

To address these issues, some researchers are experimenting with a new type of gaming environment. Their lab has a large selection of slot machines, and the participants fill out questionnaires before each session (including the GEQ and DASS-21 as well as an experiment-specific scale on mind-wandering). Afterwards, the participants answer questions about their enjoyment of play during the slot-machine session, using the same six prompts as in the original experiment.